Everything you need to know about UK census records

Census records are some of the most important resources for British family history. They help you track how your family changed over time and reveal information about your ancestors that you won’t find anywhere else. Historical censuses are held by The National Archives and are also available as online records at Findmypast.

This handy guide explains the history behind census records, what they can tell you about your family history and some important dates to watch out for now and in the future.

What is a census?

Censuses are recorded by governments periodically and act as population reports. The official meaning of a census from the Oxford Dictionary says it's;

Taking a census usually involves all householders completing census forms that list information about their lives and their family on a specific day periodically. A census taker or enumerator delivers and collects the household forms in their assigned area.

Why are censuses important?

The recorded population data is used by governments for planning things like healthcare, education and employment services at a national, regional and local level. From a genealogy perspective, historical census records are invaluable snapshots of your relatives at a given point in time.

How often is the census?

In the UK, censuses have been taken on a given census day every 10 years since 1801 with just one exception. The 1941 census didn’t happen due to the Second World War.

That wasn't the only problem to affect census records during wartime. A fire in 1942 completely destroyed the 1931 Census for England and Wales. For family history, a useful way to bridge that unfortunate records gap is by using the 1939 Register as a census substitute.

UK census dates throughout history

From 1801 to 1831, census records were used to create summaries of localities and later destroyed. So, for family historians, the full censuses dating from 1841 to 1911 are the ones of real interest.

Here’s a brief summary on the history of British censuses and what these detailed family records can tell you.

1801 Census

The first UK census was taken on 10 March 1801. Only fragments like 1801 Kent, Dartford Census include details useful for tracing family history.

1811 Census

Taken on 27 May 1811, only summary counts of households were collected so it’s not very useful from a genealogical perspective.

1821 Census

Like those before it, only counts were taken for this census which took place on 28 May that year. You’ll find some exceptions that do include householder details for areas like Kent, Westminster and Orkney.

1831 Census

This census was taken on 30 May 1831. Excerpts from Westminster, Sheffield and Shrewsbury survive, among others.

1841 Census

The first fully surviving UK census was taken on 6 June 1841.

The 1841 Census can reveal useful information for your family tree including:

• Names
• Ages
• Genders
• Addresses
• Birthplaces

1851 Census

The 1851 census took place on 30 March that year.

As well as all of the information included in the 1841 Census, this edition also features more information on your family’s relationships. Each entry includes:

• Relationship to head of household
• Marital status

1861 Census

Taken on 7 April 1861, this census includes all of the same information as the one that was recorded a decade earlier.

On Findmypast, as well as searching census records for a person, you can also search British censuses by address.

This is perfect for tracing who used to live at your address or how your local area has changed over time.

1871 Census

Another UK census was recorded in England, Scotland and Wales on 2 April 1871.

The information that was captured in the previous two censuses was sought again in 1871.

1881 Census

Transcripts of the 1881 UK census, recorded on 3 April that year, are free to access on Findmypast.

Like previous censuses, details on names, ages, addresses and family relationships are included.

Once the 1881 Census was fully compiled, officials noted that there was an alarming rise in the number of individuals being reported as "deaf and dumb", compared to previous census returns. After enquiries were made, it transpired that many enumerators had recorded babies as being deaf and dumb simply because they could not speak.

1891 Census

For the first time, the UK census recorded a person’s employment status in 1891. This adds even more colour as you build a detailed picture of your ancestors’ lives.

In Wales, the 1891 Census included an extra question on the language spoken.

This census took place on 5 April 1891.

1901 Census

The first UK census of the 20th century requested the same information as the one before it. It was taken on 31 March 1901.

As well as individuals residing in households, censuses also record people on board docked ships, hospital patients, prisoners, workhouse inmates and military personnel stationed in barracks.

1911 Census

The 1911 Census was taken on 2 April that year and is the most recent census currently open to the public. It’s often a must-search starting point for anyone new to British family history.

The 1911 Census contains far more information than any census that came before it. For the first time, the census recorded:

• Nationality
• Marriage length
• The number of children who were born, who died and who were still living

Scotland's census from 1911 is only available online at scotlandspeople.gov.uk.

There are some known missing pages from UK census records. You can see the full list here.

When will census records next be released?

Due to UK privacy laws, 100 years must pass before the public can access census records. The 1921 Census release date is early 2022 and you’ll only find it online at Findmypast.

For the first time, the 1921 Census requested employer information.

UK censuses after 1921

The 1931 Census took place on 26 April in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland was recorded as part of the 1926 Irish Census so wasn't included in the 1931 UK Census. Along with the information requested in 1921, the 1931 Census asked respondents about their usual place of residence. While the records for England and Wales were destroyed by fire, the 1931 census for Scotland survives.

The next UK census was on 8 April 1951 with the records due to be released in 2052. It included questions on household amenities for the first time.

The UK census has continued every decade since the 1950s. Along the way, more and more questions were asked reflecting changes in British society and technology was introduced to make the process more efficient. In 1966, an additional census was taken trialling new methods of enumeration. The first question about religion appeared in 2001, while specific questions on civil partnerships first featured in 2011.

Without historical censuses, our journeys into the past would lack a lot of richness. What have you discovered with census records? Reach out to us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to share your stories.